Luke Donald wanted his next round with Tiger Woods to be when they were leading a tournament rather than simply starting one.

Today the 27-year-old from High Wycombe, paired with the world No 1 for the first two rounds of the 2003 Open and the US Open this June, got his wish at the NEC world championship in Akron.

Going into the third round of the #4m event, the pair were tied at four under par.

And European interest did not end there. Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn and Henrik Stenson resumed only one behind and just two back were Sergio Garcia and David Howell.

And Ashington ace Kenneth Ferrie was the next best-placed Briton after his round of 70 enabled him to remain in touch at one over par, still just five strokes off the lead.

To try to beat the forecast rain the 71-strong field were put in threeballs rather than the usual twos, so Donald and Woods had Bjorn for company.

At Sandwich two years ago Donald was out-scored by 10 shots. At Pinehurst two months ago Woods came out on top again, but only by one - and Donald had the better of things on the opening day.

"I enjoy playing with Tiger," said world No 16 Donald, still looking for his first win of the season after finishing second in the Players Championship and third on his Masters debut.

"The atmosphere and the energy he brings with him, I thrive on that. The US Open was the last time I played with him and I played well there."

Woods, who would have reached halfway two ahead but for a closing double bogey six last night, said: "Luke's always very consistent - not a real long hitter for sure, but he hits it very straight, very solid."